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The Original "Green Industry"
As part of the original "green industry" of lawn and landscape products, Ariens Company understands the benefits of maintaining a healthy lawn. When properly used and maintained, turf grass lawns provide many environmental and functional benefits.
Along with other manufacturers that are members of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), we are working toward an even better understanding of the impact of the "green industry" on the environment. |
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Dan Ariens
Ariens Company President & CEO |
Healthy Lawns Create a Healthy Environment
Grass-covered areas in the landscape provide better air quality, reduced ground surface temperatures and efficiently use water without runoff.
Lawns convert the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide, into oxygen. Day-to-day a 2,500 square foot lawn can absorb enough carbon dioxide from the air to release oxygen for a family of four to breath.
With a significant cooling effect on the environment, lawns also provide respite from the heat. Summer air temperatures above a lawn can be up to 30 degrees cooler than above a paved area.
Compared to other landscape plants, turf grass will efficiently and effectively use almost every drop of water. The dense leaves, thatch, mat and roots of the grass system provide an excellent groundcover that significantly reduces soil erosion and runoff. Additionally, turf grass acts as a natural filter, reducing pollution by purifying the water passing through the dense root zone |
Mowing Technology Reduces Environmental Impact
Compared to traditional lawn tractors, zero-turn mowers allow you to cut mowing time in half due to improved maneuverability. Zero turning radius mowers are especially effective for yards with obstacles such as trees, garden beds or play equipment. And because you are mowing less, you will use less gas -- further reducing your impact on the environment. |
Green Lawn Care Tips
Choose the right turf grass species. Different types of grass are better suited for each part of the country. Work with a professional to determine the best species for your local microclimate. Also, be sure to find the appropriate match for your specific landscape conditions such as soil type, average rainfall and sun exposure.
Mow your lawn high to develop deep roots. Cutting your lawn too short is a common mistake that can encourage weed growth, increase heat stress during dry or hot periods and make your lawn more susceptible to insects and disease. Set your mower blade to a height that cuts no more than the top third of the grass plant. Longer grass leaves allow for growth of a stronger root system that can reach more soil moisture and nutrients.
Keep your mower blades sharp. An unsharpened mower blade can rip or tear the grass, creating a breeding ground for disease and other problems. At the outset of each growing season, sharpen or have your blades sharpened by a professional. If you live in a warmer climate where lawn care is a year-round activity, check your blades periodically to make sure they’re sharp.
Leave clippings on your lawn. Leaving grass clippings on your lawn recycles plant nutrients back into the soil. Grass clippings contain 4% nitrogen, 0.5% phosphorus and 2% potassium -- the same beneficial nutrients as fertilizer. Left-over clippings can provide up to one-third of the annual feeding requirement for your lawn.
Use a zero-turn mower. Using a mower with zero-turn technology can literally cut your mowing time in half, and reduce the amount of gasoline required to care for your lawn.
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